On July 20, 2011, the City Council unanimously agreed to seek voter approval for a one cent sales tax on the November 8, 2011 ballot. Measure J is a dedicated Palm Springs revenue measure to maintain local community services and economically revitalize our Downtown.

With the approval of Measure J, for each dollar spent in Palm Springs, the sales tax will increase by one cent. Sales tax is not applied to food purchased as groceries or prescription medications.

Measure J is not a property tax on local residents. Out of town visitors to Palm Springs will also pay this cost.

Measure J includes a "sunset provision", causing the tax to expire at the end of its specified term.

Measure J also requires that the revenue will be independently audited on an annual basis with all audits required to be made public.

Funding for Critical Plans and Projects:

For years, Sacramento's raids on local government and the economic recession have affected the City's ability to continue to provide essential city services at the levels our community expects and deserves. Measure J revenue will now provide a local revenue source that cannot be taken by Sacramento.

In this uncertain economy, without additional sources of revenue, it would have been challenging for the City to maintain its neighborhood streets, revitalize our downtown, restore and improve library services, and maintain its parks, trails, bikeways, and other infrastructure.

Measure J proceeds can be used for projects such as the Downtown Revitalization Project, as well as for street improvements, pothole repair, the Palm Springs Library, park enhancements, trail projects, and other quality of life improvements and projects.

For more information, please contact the Department of Finance & Treasury at (760) 323-8229.